Parsons chairs should work, but the question is how often do you serve 6-10 people?

I don't see metal working with it since I don't think you need to bring in more pattern, plus, most of the metal chairs I've seen have a contemporary look.
If you buy 4 more chairs, do you have a place to store, or display, the extra chairs?

Sorry, but I'm going to be forward here and say that if you ever decide to replace your rug, consider getting one much larger than the one you now have.

I am far from any kind of decorating expert, but I think I would go for the parson's chairs. They would break up all the wood in a way the metal wouldn't. Plus the metal would probably be scrolled, and it would just compete with the lovely curves of the existing chairs. I love the soft honey tones of the room, and I think a few parson's chairs would add an unexpected twist.

What about slipcovered parson's chairs? They might mix nicely with the more "leggy" look of the chairs and table. (Your furniture is lovely, by the way!)

{{!gwi}}

auntjen,
I do like that Parson's chair a lot. Where did you find it? I was looking at some basic black ones because they were only $50 each but was concerned about the plain legs, although they were fabric covered. I have been looking at craigs list and the only ones I found so far like this were "bright red" fabric.

I do have space to store them. I am the one hosting all holidays at my home, which I really enjoy. I don't have a large house, in fact it is really a "duplex" but it has traditionally become the place to gather. Holidays would include Easter, Mother's day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Birthday parties etc. I usually have 12 to 18 people and can set up folding tables and chairs in the Living room or great room or whatever but I really enjoy setting a nice dinner table.

It sure doesn't look like 10 people can be seated there. Looks like only two chairs for each side. Is there an extension leaf (don't see a seam)?

I do think Parsons chairs at the ends would be a very pretty mix, though. I'd love to see a toile, but the rug pattern might be a no-go.

Msannie, I found the parson's chair by doing a Google image search. Below is the link to the site that carries it. I don't know anything about this site, or quality of the chair, but I do like the way the chair looks! :-)

Here is a link that might be useful: Link

Squirrel,
The table does have two leaves - opens up to over 100 inches, however the base is stationery. That is what creates the problem with the chairs.

I know I need a larger rug - my daughter told me that when I got the new set. It is not an expensive rug but I do like it - but am looking for something larger.

Thanks for the input, especially about the iron chairs - sometimes I get weird ideas and live to regret it.

Any ideas on what colors would work - I really like the one Aunt Jen linked to but am trying to keep the cost down since they are chairs that will probably only be used 7 or 8 times a year, unless I could incorporate them in my living room or somewhere. So far, black and white are pretty easy to find and I saw some great ones on Craigs List but they were "bright red".

try carrington court for slipcovered chairs-good quality/lots of choices!

Here is a link that might be useful: carrington court

Thanks for your help, I will look for some Parsons chairs

Instead of more chairs, what about buying a pair of benches that could seat two people each? Something in a similar wood finish or a painted soft black to compliment the iron on the table. Or iron benches with wood or upholstered seating. If not upholstered, then a cushion to match or compliment the chairs would be nice. If they are only going to be used a few times a year, it seems more practical than a bunch of extra chairs. You could probably even keep them in the room, one on the wall to the right of the china cabinet, and one in the bow window.

A couple of ideas:

weathered black bench

levanto 2 seat bench

Is there a side chair version of your counter stool? That could work too.

Les,
I did think about benches. I don't think anything with arms would work though. I don't have the table on an angle anymore and when I open it all the way up there is not a whole lot of room for moving any seating out on the side by the hutch. Most benches without arms don't have backs either and I would have to put them in the center on each side with the dining chairs at the ends - not sure how that would look. But you are right they would be so much more useful on a regular basis.

I'll second the parsons chairs and Carrington Court. I ordered from them and couldn't be happier, very well made and great selection of fabrics, too.

Your dining room set is really beautiful as is that is why I wouldn't want to see any additional wood chairs added to it.

I ordered my 8' table with 2 leaves, which will extend it to 11', just so I could seat my family for large holiday dinners. Since I only have 10 chairs, I plan on getting extra chairs and storing them when not in use. To save space and money, I'm going to get nice fold up chairs and order slipcovers for them. Would this work for you?

Here is a link that might be useful: Folding chairs and slipcovers

You could get a set of these 4 folding chairs with slipcovers for less than $200.

{{!gwi}}

My dining room table seats 10 and can fit 12 in a pinch. When not in use, there are 8 chairs around it. Knowing I'd squeeze 12 people in there on occasion, I got 12 matching chairs (windsor chairs with wide backs). I'd be much happier if I had gotten a bench or something with a much smaller back for the extra chairs. The backs of the chairs are practically locked together when I have a full house. Really, I wish I had just gotten a couple of saddle chairs (no back at all). This would work especially well for me, since at least a few of my guests are usually children.

Anyway, this is a long winded way of seconding the parsons chair idea or bench idea!

I'll add my vote to the Carrington Court group, and as an added bonus, the CC chairs are a tiny bit smaller, so more useful and more easily stored. I have both the arm chair and the straight chair. They were both reasonably priced and are very comfortable!!

I agree with Les about getting a bench. I would get a simple backless bench with a rush seat, something you can just push against the wall when not in use.